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Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Teenage rebel who sowed the seeds for statehood movement
Ramgarh/Dhanbad: The journey of Shibu Soren from a rebel teenager to 'Guruji' began at a tender age of 13, when he swore to fight economic oppression which plagued the tribal communities of the then unified Bihar for generations, following the death of his father. Shibu's fight against the moneylenders, who murdered his father Sobhran Manjhi, eventually gave birth to Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM). The party would then go on to dominate the political landscape of the region Eventually, Shibu would become synonymous with the outfit itself. JMM, formed on February 4, 1973, would then set the foundation for a much larger struggle – the demand for a separate state. Social reformer and educationist Binod Bihari Mahto, along with trade union leader A K Roy, joined hands with Soren to give this movement a broader political shape. Alarmed by Shibu's growing popularity and influence, then Bihar govt led by CM Jagannath Mishra invoked MISA (Maintenance of Internal Security Act) to arrest him but failed. JMM central committee member Fagu Besra said, "Shibu gave up studies after his father's murder in 1967 and took up the tradition weapons of tribal people, the bow and arrow, to fight the atrocities against the community. Later, bow and arrow went on to become JMM's party symbol. "Shibu started the "Dhaan Kato" (reap paddy) agitation as agricultural lands of Santhals were forcibly occupied by moneylenders after trapping them with lending money. Lands were forcibly captured, and poor Santhals were forced to work on their own land as labourers," Besra said. He added that the local administration banned "Dhaan Kato" agitation and warned Shibu to surrender but he didn't budge. "They issued orders to catch Shibu alive or dead, and the police started a massive search operation but failed to locate his whereabouts," he recalled, adding that Shibu hid in caves of Parasnath hills in Giridih district spending nights in caves and forests. Shibu came in touch with Roy and Mahto in 1970s and formed Sonat Santhal Samaj. Mahto, who was running one Shivani Samaj along with Roy, merged their outfits to form Jharkhand Liberation Front. While Mahto became its president, Shibu was its general secretary. "However, a dispute among the three friends began over the issue of Lalkhand and Jharkhand. Mahto and Roy wanted to struggle for Lalkhand, while Shibu Soren wanted to carry on the agitation for Jharkhand, saying that Jharkhand is green and would not agree to convert green into red," Besra, who conducted three decades of research on the life and struggle of Shibu, said. "Jharkhand Liberation Front was later translated into Hindi, and the new outfit was named Jharkhand Mukti Morcha. Nirmal Mahto was made president, and Shibu became general secretary. Shibu became JMM president in a historic golf ground meeting in 1973 in Dhanbad," he added. Recalling the dramatic events of the first foundation day of JMM on February 4, 1974, Khedan Mahto, a close associate of Shibu said, "We were celebrating the JMM foundation at Golf Ground (now Shahid Randhir Verma Stadium). Police forces surrounded the ground to arrest Guruji as he arrived, but suddenly he appeared on stage, surprising his supporters and leaving the administration stunned." Following this, then Dhanbad deputy commissioner K B Saxena reached out to Soren for dialogue. A meeting was secretly arranged in the jungles of Palma, where Shibu had took shelter. "Guruji presented the plight of the tribal people so convincingly that DC Saxena took the matter to the chief minister's office," said Mahto. This intervention led to the allocation of land to villagers in Tundi, allowing them to start agricultural work and reclaim their dignity. Around the same time, Shibu established a haven called 'Shibu Ashram' in Tundi block, which still stands as a symbol of his early struggle and compassion for displaced villagers. In 1980, despite having a warrant issued against him, Shibu was elected to the Lok Sabha from Dumka, proving his unmatched popularity among tribal masses. Senior JMM leader Kansari Mandal said, "From a lone protester to the founding fathers of the Jharkhand movement, Shibu Soren's legacy as 'Guruji' continues to inspire generations in the region."
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Govt prepares to make MISA documents public
New Delhi: You may soon be able to access several confidential documents related to the controversial Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA), which was extensively used against opposition leaders and activists during the Emergency. Part of Delhi's govt's archival treasure trove, the documents are likely to be made public by the state's archives department. Sources said a proposal, along with all available MISA-related files, was sent to Delhi govt's home department for final approval. Once the process is complete, the documents will be digitised and made accessible to people. MISA was enacted by the then Congress govt, led by Indira Gandhi in 1971, to address issues of national security and internal disturbances. The provisions of the law allowing preventive detention without charge or trial were widely used against political leaders, activists, journalists, and students during the Emergency from June 26, 1975, to March 21, 1977. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi Officials said the documents related to MISA were retrieved during the digitisation process of over four crore archival records — some as old as the 19th century — by the archives department. They added that these documents included the details and reports of activists and people who were arrested during the Emergency. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Apply for NRI Account Online HSBC Undo Many of the documents, along with photographs and performances that highlighted the suspension of civil liberties and democratic rights during the 21-month period, were displayed in an exhibition, titled 'Five Decades After Emergency', organised by Delhi govt to mark "Samvidhan Hatya Diwas", in Central Park of Connaught Place on June 26. Several previously unpublished documents, including detention orders for prominent political figures such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Jan Sangh president Balraj Madhok, Jai Prakash Narain, and Lal Krishna Advani, were put on display. A senior Delhi govt official said that the idea behind making the documents public was to preserve and share this important chapter of India's political history. The official added that there were a large number of people interested in historical records related to the Emergency. According to the Shah Commission of inquiry, more than 35,000 people were held under preventive detention during this time. Officials said the Delhi archives are the custodian of all public records of the Govt of NCT of Delhi, available for use by bona fide research scholars and the general public. Access to its records is governed by the provisions of the Public Records Act, 1993, and the Public Records Rules, 1997, enacted by Union govt and adopted by Delhi govt. Anyone who intends to consult the records of the Delhi Archives has to register at the e-Abhilekh Portal of this department. A large number of revenue records or land and properties in Delhi, along with Bahadur Shah Zafar's trial, firmans and sanads of Shah Alam II, the revolt of 1857, land acquisition records, rare photographs of freedom fighters, and development plans and maps of the British era have been digitised, preserved, and made available to the general public through the portal.
Hindustan Times
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
The Emergency: A political battle and a personal story
I write this as India marks the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Emergency, during which the Constitution itself was weaponised to create a dictatorship. My father, Arun Jaitley, is remembered as amongst the most eloquent leaders of the nation, a staunch nationalist, astute politician, lawyer par excellence and a unique consensus builder, who worked relentlessly to ensure collaborative process till the result was something that every member could at least accept, if not support. Curious, I once asked how he had much forbearance for the diametrically opposite views of others. He responded with lessons learned from the Emergency, and what it had cost to safeguard the right to voice an opinion different from that of those in power. In 1973, it became evident that the government led by Indira Gandhi had neither the intention nor the ability to alter its economic policies that had led to high inflation and mass unemployment. My father was at this time, an aspiring law student and Delhi University (DU) Students Union president. Noting the change in political winds and the wave of student agitations inspired by Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), my father convened a rally in the DU campus which JP addressed. The rally witnessed an unprecedented turnout, grabbing the attention of the Congress leadership. Within the year, Mrs Gandhi lost her position as MP pursuant to the Raj Narain case, mounting pressure for her resignation. This led to declaration of the Emergency in the intervening night of June 25-26, 1975. Articles 14, 19, 21 and 22 also stood suspended. The same night, Opposition leaders were arrested, and the police arrived at my father's home. My grandfather, a lawyer, asked the police for documents supporting such detention, ensuring that my father escaped in the interim. No newspapers were delivered on June 26 as electricity to Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, where most newspapers were situated, having been disconnected. My father's efforts to ascertain the gravity of the situation were in vain. Undeterred, he arrived at the DU campus with a plan to deliver a speech against the Emergency and then escape with the help of a friend who owned a scooter. Such was the terror of the Emergency however, that even the strongest of friendships wavered, and when my father arrived at the location, he found neither vehicle nor friend. He was arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act and lodged in Tihar jail. My father took great pride in being the first satyagrahi against the Emergency. While my father was transferred to Ambala central jail after a week, his family was in the dark. Some rumours suggested that he had been sent to Kala Paani (Andamans), and others that he had been killed. My grandmother was overcome with grief and her health took a turn for the worse. My grandfather, torn between anguish and duty to hold the family together, used every resource to locate my father, and thereafter, ensure his transfer to Delhi. He filed petitions to enable my father to write his final year examination from jail. However, these were rejected on the ground that he was a threat to public order. He thus lost an academic year during his 19-month imprisonment. The loss was insignificant when compared to what his family endured. With my grandmother debilitated and my grandfather dedicating himself to ensuring my father's survival, it fell to his eldest sister Madhu, to manage her own home in Bikaner, as also that of my grandparents. She would travel by train weekly, for three days, cook as much food as possible and depart, to repeat this every fourth day. She recalls meeting my father in jail for a few minutes each month when she would carry food for him. On one occasion she received a message that he had requested Chinese food from Majnu ka Tila for 15 persons, and momentarily she smiled, relieved that the foodie in him was still alive. Her other memories are more sobering. She recounts the day my grandfather received a phone call, informing him that my father had had an accident and was breathing his last at AIIMS. My grandfather, who until then had maintained composure through insurmountable moments of anxiety, could bear it no longer and suffered a heart attack. The rumour was untrue, but neither the first nor the last of its kind. Relatives would describe the torture of political prisoners in excruciating detail, which caused family members to withdraw. Friends quietly distanced themselves fearing consequences, and loyal staff quit, as police constantly circled the house, tormenting those who offered support. 'No one,' she said, 'No one wanted to be associated with us.' Eventually, political prisoners began to be released on the pre-condition of a written apology to the government. However, my family never got their hopes up, knowing that this was against everything my father stood for. With their own lives at a standstill, they took solace in the fact that my father was with like-minded people. My father later said that prison is a state of mind. If one allowed oneself to be overwhelmed, it would result in depression and traumatic experiences. But if you were thinking of fighting the Emergency, you felt fine. Gradually, international pressure mounted, which led to snap elections being announced on January 18, 1977. The short timeline was aimed to debilitate the Opposition, as the plan was to release prominent leaders only post elections. My father was released on January 25, 1977, and he went on to play a pivotal role in the general election. The Janata Party won a resounding victory, alleviating fears of the polls being farcical. This led my father to believe that democracy lies in the hearts of the people. When it dies there, no Constitution can save it, and no judge can protect it. Until then, it is safe and as immortal as India is. Rohan Jaitley is advocate, Supreme Court and president, Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA). The views expressed are personal.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Tripura CM slams Congress for Emergency, calls it ‘black chapter'
Agartala: Tripura chief minister Manik Saha on Monday criticised Congress for imposing Emergency in 1975, calling it a "direct attack" on the Constitution and democracy. Addressing a mock parliament of the party, he said the Emergency period (1975–77) was a "black chapter" in Indian history. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "We have forgotten many things, especially the days of sorrow. But one cannot live without remembering such dark times," he added. Recalling the sequence of events that led to the declaration of Emergency, Saha said, "In 1971, Indira Gandhi contested from Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh and won. Her nearest rival, Raj Narain, challenged the result in the Allahabad High Court, alleging misuse of govt machinery and the appointment of a gazetted officer as her election agent. On June 12, 1975, Justice Jagmohan Lal Sinha declared her election null and void. " He added although Indira Gandhi appealed to the Supreme Court, Justice Krishna Iyer allowed her to continue as Prime Minister but barred her from voting or holding any official position. "Subsequently, Indira Gandhi consulted Siddhartha Shankar Ray, the then chief minister of West Bengal and a renowned barrister. Pressure was mounted on President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, and finally, Emergency was declared in 1975," Saha said. He said the objective behind organising the mock parliament was to educate the younger generation about the Emergency and its consequences. "They must know how democracy was throttled. It's their responsibility to spread this awareness further," he added. Saha also recalled the situation in Tripura during the Emergency. "The then chief minister Sukhamoy Sengupta misused the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) to arrest many people, including journalists. Homes were vandalised, dissenters jailed, and press freedom crushed," he said. Drawing a contrast with the present, he said, "Today, we are witnessing what real development means. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, efforts are being made to uphold and protect the Constitution."
India Gazette
30-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Emergency was a direct attack on constitution, democracy: Tripura CM Saha
Agartala (Tripura) [India], July 1 (ANI): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha criticised the Congress for imposing the Emergency in 1975, calling it an attack on the Indian Constitution and democracy. Chief Minister Saha, while addressing the Mock Parliament organised by the BJP Mahila Morcha at Muktadhara Auditorium on Monday, said that the Emergency from 1975 to 1977 was a black chapter, and the participants here today will learn about the history and hold discussions on this matter. 'We forgot so many things. Especially the days of sorrow--we forgot. A person can't live keeping sorrowful days in memories,' the Tripura CM said. He said that everyone knows that in 1971, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi imposed the Emergency. 'She contested the election in 1971 from Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh and on 10th March, when results were declared, she won. But her nearest opponent candidate, Raj Narain, couldn't accept it and challenged it in Allahabad High Court. Everyone knows about this matter. Raj Narain said that with the help of the Government, Indira Gandhi won the election and appointed a gazetted officer as her election agent. Based on these two matters, Justice Jagmohan Lal Sinha on 12th June 1972 declared the election as null and void,' said CM Saha. He informed that the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi knocked on the door of the Supreme Court, and there Justice Krishna Iyer said that she could remain Prime Minister but couldn't vote or hold any government post. 'Later, the then Chief Minister of West Bengal, Siddhartha Shankar Ray, was summoned--he was a renowned barrister--and Indira Gandhi discussed the matter with him. Then pressure was mounted on President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed and the Emergency was declared in 1975, which is a black day,' said Dr Saha. He said that this is why the Mock Parliament was arranged--to make the young generations aware of this black day and to discuss it. Later, they will convey it to the people as well. 'It was a direct attack on the Indian Constitution. We have seen how democracy was killed during the Congress regime. In Tripura, the then Chief Minister was Sukhamoy Sengupta, and we saw how they used the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) in a wrongful way and arrested many people, starting with journalists. We saw what kind of situation was created. Many houses were vandalised. Those who protested against the Emergency were arrested, and even the press was attacked. Now we are seeing what development truly means. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been working to protect the Constitution,' he added. During the event, BJP state president Rajib Bhattacharjee, Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury, BJP general secretary Bhagaban Das, and BJP Mahila Morcha state president Mimi Majumder were present. (ANI)
